These NC grocery stores charge fees to get cash back at the register (& these don’t)
North Carolina’s grocery stores offer a swath of services.
Sure, you can find what you need for weekday meals (even if it’s just half an onion) or holiday celebrations, but many retailers offer catering, too. Some, like Wegmans, Publix and Whole Foods, have what amounts to an in-store counter-service restaurant, offering hot, ready-to-eat foods. A bunch of them, including Harris Teeter, Target and Walmart, have pharmacies.
Another service available at select grocery stores can save shoppers a stop while running errands: cash back.
Instead of using an ATM or stopping at a bank, shoppers can withdraw cash while they’re checking out at the grocery store.
While many retailers offer this service freely, some charge a fee for it. The fee is typically a small fraction of the cash withdrawal amount, but it adds up. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau estimated in 2024 that three large companies — Dollar General, Dollar Tree Inc. and Kroger Co. (which owns Harris Teeter) — collect $90 million in fees each year for cash-back services.
Here’s what to know before you shop.
Which NC grocery stores offer cash back for free?
We reached out to spokespeople at several markets with stores in the state to find details on their cash-back policies.
- Aldi: The store offers cash-back options in $10, $20, $40 and $100 amounts “with qualifying cards.” Aldi’s media team did not respond to The N&O’s requests for more information, but no fee for cash withdrawals is mentioned on the company’s website.
- Food Lion: Customers can withdraw up to $200.
- Lidl: Shoppers can withdraw up to $200 per transaction with debit or EBT cash.
- Lowes Foods: Shoppers can withdraw up to $50 with a debit card transaction.
- Publix: Customers can get cash back on debit card purchases, up to “the store limit.” A spokesperson for Publix did not respond to The N&O’s request for clarification on the store limit.
- Target: Customers can get up to $40 back with debit payment, including Circle Debit.
- Trader Joe’s: Shoppers can get up to $50 back on purchases made with a debit card.
- Walmart: Walmart shoppers can withdraw up to $100 at the register.
- Weaver Street Market: Customers can get up to $50 when using a debit card.
- Whole Foods Market: Shoppers can get up to $50 back on debit card purchases.
Which NC grocery stores charge for cash back?
- Dollar General: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau reported that Dollar General charges at least $1 and up to $2.50 for cash back, depending on the cashback amount “and other variables.” In an emailed statement, Dollar General told The N&O that its cashback services “may also help customers save money on fees compared to alternative, non-retail options.” However, Dollar General did not respond to specific questions about fees or cash-back limits.
- Harris Teeter: Customers can withdraw up to $200 with their debit card, but a fee of up to $3 is charged, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
This story was originally published February 13, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
